Nicole Daedone Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Forced Labor
Nicole Daedone, co-founder of the wellness company OneTaste Inc., was sentenced to nine years in federal prison in Brooklyn on Monday after being convicted of forced labor charges. The sentencing also included an order for Daedone to forfeit $12 million, an amount corresponding to the sale of her stake in the California-based company.
Nicole Daedone, co-founder of OneTaste Inc., was sentenced to nine years in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $12 million after being convicted of forced labor charges.
Sentencing Details
Federal prosecutors had requested a 20-year prison sentence for Daedone, asserting in court filings that her scheme resulted in significant financial, emotional, and psychological harm to victims. They stated that Daedone and her co-conspirators utilized economic pressure, psychological manipulation, physical exhaustion, and emotional degradation to control individuals.
Conversely, Daedone's legal team sought a sentence of approximately two years, citing her lack of a prior criminal record. They also presented over 200 letters of support from individuals, including CNN correspondent Van Jones and actor Richard Schiff, who attested to her character and positive influence.
Allegations of Forced Labor Scheme
During the approximately one-month trial, prosecutors detailed a multi-year scheme allegedly orchestrated by Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz, the company's former sales director. Cherwitz's sentencing was scheduled for later Monday.
Prosecutors alleged that Daedone and Cherwitz groomed adherents, many of whom were reportedly victims of sexual trauma, to engage in acts they found uncomfortable or repulsive. These acts included sexual encounters with prospective investors or clients.
Followers were reportedly told that these acts were necessary to achieve "freedom" and "enlightenment" and to demonstrate commitment to the company's principles.
Company Background
Nicole Daedone co-founded OneTaste in San Francisco in 2004. The company promoted female orgasms as central to sexual and psychological wellness and interpersonal connection. A core practice was "orgasmic meditation" (OM), which involved men manually stimulating women in group settings. OneTaste garnered media attention in the 2010s and expanded internationally, with locations in Los Angeles and London.
Daedone sold her stake in OneTaste in 2017 for $12 million. A year later, the company's marketing and labor practices came under scrutiny. The current owners of the company have since rebranded it as the Institute of OM Foundation. They assert that the company's work has been misrepresented and that the charges against its former executives were unfounded or unjustified.